Changing a Child's Name

Name change for children is quite common and can occur for a number of reasons: children may take a new surname as parents divorce or marry, spelling mistakes on birth certificates may be corrected or adopted children may take a new family name, just to name a few. A child is anyone under 16 years. From 16 years onwards, any person can apply to change their own name by deed poll.

Parental consent

All parties with parental responsibility will need to agree to the change. Parental responsibility usually means the father and mother who were married at the time of the child’s birth, or the parents named on the child’s birth certificate. Even if divorced, both parents must give consent if they have custody. If a parent is absent or has unusual custody arrangements then you may need to get a court ruling to change the child’s name. If you need to ask for court ruling for a child’s name change then circumstance and consent of the child, particularly older children, is also important.

Apply to a reputable Deed Poll Company

Easy Name Change don't issue deed polls. We assist adults in notifying organisations of their new name once changed. As we are a notification service, we can't assist in changing your child's name or proving further information beyond what appears on this page.

There are a number of reputable online deed poll services. Simply Google 'deed poll child' to find a company that can assist. If you have any specific questions on parental consent or any other part of the process be sure to ask your deed poll provider.

The notification process

Once you have a deed poll certificate you must notify all the necessary organisations of your child's new name. Children have fewer companies to notify than adults and you can manage this process easily enough yourself. We've provided a quick checklist below to assist after your child's name has been changed.

School

HMRC/National Insurance

Your child's bank (if they have an account)

Health care providers

Insurance (ie: beneficiaries for life insurance)

Family and friends

Update your will

Safeguaring their future

Evidence of your child’s new name for can be lost over time as there is no central register of deeds so opt for a reputable deed poll company that can provide duplicate records and have been in business for a long time. We are constantly asked about name change records from 20 or more years ago. If your child can't prove their name change many years down the track they may encounter various legal issues. It is a good idea to order 2-3 copies of the deed poll and keep one at a relative's house.

Questions?

If you have any further questions regarding changing your child’s name, you should contact a deed poll organisation as they will ultimately handle your child’s name change. They are better qualified to answer questions on parental consent and any other laws around children’s name change. Easy Name Change will not respond to any queries regarding children’s name change.

Children can have their name change by deed poll. Usually both parents need to consent unless there are exceptional circumstances.

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Thank you Genevieve this is fantastic. It's only taken me 12 months to get this done due to all the research I did not have time for. You've made my life easier..

Mirela M.

Easy Name Change - you guys rock! Thanks for literally saving me half a day. It was so easy! Am telling all my friends! Thx again!

Sarah Van Gils

Just wanted to say thanks SO much! Your website was easy to use and the letters provided made the whole name change process so much quicker and easier. What a buzz to find such a professional service who do exactly what they say they will! You guys are a godsend.

Jade

Thank you! I have received my change of name kit today and am very happy. It will give me hours more time to do something else as all the information kit is so useful and set out wonderfully. Thank you I will certainly recommend you to friends

Toni

I really appreciated this service it has been a lot easier doing it this way

Tamara

Great service - best $70 I've ever spent! Quality of info provided was great and very clearly set-out.

Nicky

Your service was great. It saved me a trip to Newcastle and a lot of paperwork. If I knew it was so easy I would`ve changed my name years ago.

Stacey

I think you are providing a great service, because even if I choose not to go ahead with my name change I know that I have looked at the possibility and will not regret my decision later on. It gave me the opportunity to really evaluate my desire to change my name against the real or imagined need to change my name.

Lorraine

Thank you for the service your company has provided. I will recommend you people. You have made it very simple to do.